Dangers at Christmas
This is what pet owners should keep in mind on Christmas Eve
Dogs and cats like to socialize with their owners during the Christmas season – but caution is advised around Christmas Eve!
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The Christmas season can be dangerous for pets. This is how dogs, cats, etc. can be protected.
Christmas is the celebration of the family. According to statistics from 2022 (Statista), 46 percent of households in Germany also have a fluffy family member. The most popular pets among Germans are dogs and cats. It almost goes without saying that they are allowed to “celebrate” on Christmas Eve. But if you think you can make the animals happy with a piece of roast or a piece of gingerbread, you are wrong. These dangers lurk for dogs, cats and the like at Christmas.
No meat in the bowl
Whether duck, goose, fondue or roast beef – all of these delicacies should not be shared with dogs and cats. As a rule, the holiday feast is far too fatty and spicy for the four-legged friends; it can cause stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. Also: Poultry bones should never end up in the bowl. According to the Federal Veterinary Association, these can cause internal injuries.
Paws off the chocolate
Cocoa beans, like coffee and tea, contain the substance theobromine. However, this is poisonous to four-legged friends and other small animals. That’s why chocolate Santa Claus or chocolate-glazed cookies and gingerbread must never be fed to pets. If the animals have eaten chocolate, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
Deadly vapor
Raclette is a popular community meal at Christmas and New Year’s Eve. However, dinner can be fatal for domestic birds. Raclette releases toxic fumes when heated. What is harmless to humans can lead to death for budgies etc. even in small quantities. It is important to keep the birds away from the raclette so that they remain safe.
(Not yet) more tinsel
The Germans love tinsel. Many people can’t get enough of the glitter threads. However, if the tinsel comes into the sights of dogs and cats, it can be life-threatening. If a four-legged friend swallows the Christmas decorations, it will most likely cause intestinal obstruction. An emergency for the vet!
These plants are poisonous
Pets, especially dogs, don’t just like to eat what ends up on their owner’s plate. Man’s best friend also likes to devour decorations, often in the form of plants. Poinsettias contain the toxic euphorbin, which can even cause paralysis and liver damage if consumed. Mistletoe contains higher amounts of viscotoxin, making the stems and leaves poisonous. And the Christmas rose is also poisonous for dogs, cats, etc.